Israeli troops withdrew from a besieged Palestinian neighbourhood in Rafah refugee camp early today, leaving behind dozens of demolished homes, acres of levelled agricultural land and residents despairing over how the destruction will be repaired.

SIX more Palestinians were killed as Israeli forces pushed on with an unprecedented raid in southern Gaza despite criticism from the US and censure from the United Nations.

Palestinians say up to 23 people were killed and 50 wounded when Israeli tanks and helicopters opened fire on a demonstration in Gaza’s Rafah refugee camp.

Israeli helicopters pounded a refugee camp with missiles and machine gun fire today, killing at least 18 Palestinians as troops searched houses in a major military offensive that drew worldwide condemnation.

Israeli helicopters pounded a refugee camp with missiles and machine gun fire today, killing at least 14 Palestinians as troops searched houses in the largest offensive in Gaza in years.